Take a weekend break in Barcelona for sun, sea and sightseeing

Why should I visit Barcelona for a weekend trip?

Quick city breaks are a great way to get away from it all for a short time. Barcelona is a particularly popular choice for a weekend city break. Although it's a bustling, vibrant city, it's actually quite small, making it easy to get around. The city has a well-connected public transport system, with bus routes, a metro, trams, and even suburban trains that can take you to attractive nearby towns like Sitges or Castelldefels. However, you may find that you barely need the public transport, as the centre of the city is just so walkable. Barcelona is a city that truly has something for everyone. Football fans can take a tour of Camp Nou, the legendary home of Barça where legends like Messi, Ronaldinho and Xavi have played in front of adoring crowds. Culture vultures mustn't miss the works of Antoni Gaudí, the genius behind the Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell. Whether you're a committed foodie, a dedicated shopaholic, a hiker, or just a lover of the beach, Barcelona is a city with hundreds of things to keep you busy.

Where should I stay for a weekend break in Barcelona?

If you want to see the major sights, look for holiday lettings in Barcelona in the city centre. The Ciutat Vella, or old city, is an atmospheric area with a maze of narrow streets, quaint traditional shops and bars, and beautiful historic buildings at every turn. In this area, El Gòtic is especially popular with visitors, and is great if you want a lively atmosphere. La Barceloneta is a seaside neighbourhood with some of the city's best nightlife and easy beach access. If you're looking for something a little calmer, El Born, on the edge of the Ciutat Vella, has some cool bars and restaurants but doesn't attract as many crowds. Outside the Ciutat Vella, there are lots of other options for accommodation in Barcelona. Fans of the beach can head for Poblenou, which is right on the seafront and a bit quieter than other parts of the centre. For a more authentic Catalan vibe, consider staying in Sants or Gràcia, two vibrant neighbourhoods that still keep their traditional character. Both have lots of cool local restaurants and bars to explore. They're great if you want to try some tapas without stumbling into a tourist trap.